What does lavishness mean?
Lavishness means the quality of being lavish: exceptionally generous, abundant, or extravagant. The word commonly describes costly hospitality, elaborate celebrations, luxurious surroundings, and large displays of wealth. It can also describe excessive attention or praise, as in the lavishness of a tribute or the lavishness of an award winner’s supporters. In a favorable context, lavishness suggests generosity and abundance; in a critical context, it suggests waste, excess, or ostentation. The word is understood in British and American English, though speakers may vary in how strongly they connect it with financial extravagance. It is especially useful when describing a notable quality of an event, lifestyle, or gesture that goes beyond what might be considered ordinary or restrained.
nounLavishness is generous or extravagant spending, display, or abundance. It can also refer to excessive, sometimes excessive generosity in praise, attention, or hospitality.
- Generous or extravagant spending, display, or abundance.
- Excessive generosity or indulgence toward people, praise, or material comforts.
"The wedding was marked by such lavishness that every guest received a personally wrapped gift."
"The hotel was known for its lavishness and exceptional service."
"Her lavishness toward the arts included donations to several local galleries."
The plural is grammatically regular but is rarely used, because the word is normally used in the singular.
"The lavishnesses of two royal courts became legendary."
Lavishness comes from the same root as “lavish,” a word that originally described a generous abundance before it came to mean extravagant or excessive.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lavishness come from?
The word “lavishness” is derived from “lavish,” which entered Middle English from an Old French form meaning abundance or generosity. That development is generally traced to Latin lavāre, “to wash,” through the sense of being bathed or overflowing, and hence copious. Related English words include “lavatory,” from the same Latin verb, and the less common “lavation,” meaning washing or bathing.
How lavishness is actually used
Generally neutral to mildly disapproving. It often implies expense, display, or excess, but can also be used approvingly for exceptional generosity or abundance.